Newly promoted Verona have dismissed the idea of making an adventurous bid for Alessandro Matri of Juventus. “But Luca Toni…”

“Matri is only a dream of the President,” sporting director Sean Sogliano told Radio 1. “We simply can’t sign a player like him.

“He’s a very strong attacker, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and put our focus on other transfer targets.

“It is a different matter for Toni though and I have spoken to him,” the official continued. “He’s a great player with a glorious past, but we need to understand his motivation as the season will be tough for us.

“If a champion like him wants to put himself up for debate again then he would be an important player for us.”

Italian champions Juventus are understood to be ready to sell Italian international Matri given that he isn’t guaranteed a starting shirt in Turin.

The former Cagliari ace has also been linked with a move to Milan.

Toni, meanwhile, is available on a free transfer after his contract at Fiorentina ran out. The 36-year-old scored eight goals in 27 League games last term.